James Roderick (J.R.) Ham

Dallas ~ James Roderick “J.R.” Ham, 80, a cattleman, went to be with our Lord Friday, April 3, 2015 in Dallas, Texas.

Graveside service is 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at East Bridgeport Cemetery in Bridgeport, Texas.

Honorary pallbearers are Rick Ham, David Ray, Bill Ray, Charles Morrow, Bill Crider and Donald Tollison.

J.R. was born on September 4, 1934 to Louis and Beatrice Ham in Decatur, Texas. He spent his younger years on his families’ Texas ranches. In high school, J.R. moved to Oklahoma where he met the love of his life, Carol Young. They were married on August 14, 1955 in Fitzhugh, Oklahoma. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1957. J.R. moved his wife and young family to Garden City, Kansas in 1969 where he was instrumental in the development of the agriculture and cattle industries in western Kansas.  In 1976, J.R. survived a plane crash that left him with significant paralysis. Though many would have slowed down, he continued to thrive, work, and enjoy life and add significant contributions to the community and to the lives of those around him. J.R. and Carol moved to Dallas in 2012 to be near family. He did much for many, always without fanfare. J.R. believed in hard work and enjoying life. He loved his family with gusto.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife and true love of 59 years, Carol Ham of Dallas; his son, Jay M. Ham and wife Suzanne of Fort Collins, Colorado; his daughter, Carrie Lee Kirby and husband Jay of Dallas; his granddaughter, Clara; his grandsons, Jack, Judson, Cooper, and Cade; his brother, Rick Ham; other family members, and a host of friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, www.johnwayne.org or call 949-631-8400

Hawkins Funeral Home, Bridgeport, Texas, 940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com